Keith A. Wilkinson Obituary (1922

Keith was born May 26, 1922 to JC and Florence Gadd Wilkinson in Vineyard, Utah .Keith was the second of 10 children: Clyde, Keith, Wayne, Beth, Rulon, Garth, Jay C., Glade, LaVar and Russ. He was born in an old home at the site where the Geneva Steel Plant Dispensary once was. As a child he attended Vineyard Elementary School and Lincoln High School. It was during the time of the depression when Keith at the age of 17 joined the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corps). Jobs were hard to come by and the CCC's provided employment for many. He helped to build the road for the Squaw Peak Trail and he also helped to build a fire break in Spanish Fork Canyon and many fences in the area as well as fighting fires in the area. It was during this time that Keith met Laura Thelma Brailsford and he always said they were meant for each other. Keith and Thelma were married on July 28, 1944 in Ventura California and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple August 15, 1958. World War II was on when Keith joined the Seabee's (a construction battalion of the Navy) going to Rhode Island for training. From there he was shipped to Bermuda for a year eventually returning to California. After a time there, Keith shipped out to the Big Island of Hawaii where he went through basic training with the Marines. From there he was sent to Iwo Jima where he was stationed for 11 months. They were the first to set up tents and build a mess hall. Keith's service was an important part of his life and he was always proud of serving his Country. After the war, Keith and Thelma moved to Draggerton to work in the mines. He later applied at Geneva Steel and worked there for 37 years. They found a home in Orem and on February 17, 1947, their first son Jerry was born and on April 21, 1949 Carl joined the family. Three years later, the family moved to Lindon where they have resided ever since. Keith and Thelma enjoyed taking their boys fishing and camping. Keith was active in the Church and served as Young Men's president when the boys were younger and spent many hours working with the youth and the scouts. He was Elder's Quorum president and spent many hours serving at the stake farm. He was always willing to help anyone in need and loved people in general. He always had time to sit down and visit with friends and family. Camping in their motor home was their favorite thing to do with their family and friends. Fishing and hunting were fun family activities and he was always there supporting his boys and grandchildren in their activities. BYU football and basketball, Denver Broncos and the Utah Jazz have never had a more loyal fan. Keith was supportive and attentive to Thelma and cared for her with dedication and love after she was diagnosed with cancer. He carried a heavy burden and never complained trying to make her comfortable and continuing to run the household. Keith was a devoted husband and always treasured his relationship with Thelma. He is survived by his two sons, Jerry (Wil) Cumming, GA and Carl (Lynell) Lindon, UT. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and his brothers, Clyde, Garth, Glade, Jay C and LaVar. Preceded in death by his wife Thelma, grandchildren Wendy and Matt and by his sister Beth, brothers, Wayne, Rulon and Russ. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 18th at 11:00am at the LDS chapel 320 West 500 North, Lindon, Utah with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com. A special thank you to Jared Osmond and the staff at Osmond Retirement Living as well as the caring hospice nurses (especially Collette) at First Choice Home Health.